Those looking to learn.... I personally prefer books + practice. Conferences/classroms are nice but you generally need to have prior knowledge to get most of them. SQL Bits videos are good.

Below are some links from our website that might help you to prepare for certifications:

Exam Guide to 98-364 Database Fundamentals - This is still in progress

Exam Guide 70-461 Querying with SQL Server 2012

and SQL Tutorial for beginners

We hope to add new articles based on certification requirements (we are starting with 98-364 and 70-461)

Regards

Emil